Forgetfulone's Pages

Saturday, January 05, 2013

To My Teenage Self

I just watched the movie Looper today (pretty good movie, but pay attention!), and it got me thinking. If there really were time travel, and I could talk to my teenage self, what would I want to say?

Dear Young Forgetfulone,
Don’t hurry love. It will happen in due time. Don’t rush it, and don’t fall for guys who are not worthy of your love and caring. Men will lie, cheat, and mistreat you if you let them. Refuse to tolerate it. Look for someone who treats his mother well, someone who is successful, and someone who brings out the best in you. Avoid anyone who is critical of you unnecessarily. This goes for friends, too. And on that note, cultivate friendships with those who do not make you feel like you’re in competition with them. Don’t try so hard to “fit in.” You will fit in when you find the right people with whom to associate. Instead of conforming to others, be yourself, and do what makes you happy. That does not mean that you should break “the rules,” though. The rules are there for a reason. Following the rules doesn’t make you boring; it makes you safe and successful. And don't try to be a non-conformist. In so doing, you conform in a different way. Also, write down your stories, all of them, including stories your relatives tell you. These will be more than important to you someday. Most of all, love God. That's what matters most. Teenage self – you are smart, you are kind, and you are important. You will understand that saying more in the future when you read The Help. Most of all, when you make mistakes - and you will - forgive yourself.